Indy Weekend 2001

Indy Weekend 2001

HUNDREDS of race car fans from the North Shore enjoy Vancouver's fastest weekend in a number of different ways. For starters, there's the big Indy Gala at Gotham's restaurant which allows all kinds of locals to dress-up and see the stars. The Driver's Party at the Keg is also attended by many local business owners. Then, there's the actual races at the track where fans flock to support their favourites. Finally, to wrap up, there's the celebration parties at homes like the Rutledge family whose friends always come out to support young Indy lights driver David Rutledge. With so much to see, here's a glimpse at the weekend's best events.

	She was the toast of the track and then some. Actor Ashley Judd, seen here with her handsome fiance driver Dario Franchitti, was easily the queen of the gala.
	West Vancouver's Shawn Thomas (from left) and wife Kelly toasted the weekend at Gotham's alongside shopping mall designer Ian Thomas (no relation).
	CTV Sportsnet's Jodi Vance (from left) is a North Van girl originally. She teamed up with the North Shore's Cheryl Loveseth and Laurie McLay.
	hold
	CTV newsman Ravi ?????? (from left), joined West Vancouver's Michelle Owen and Keg restaurant owner Cam Watt at the Driver's Party.
	Molson Indy Vancouver's general manager Stuart Ballantyne (left) welcomed West Vancouver artist Derek Crymble to pit row. Derek designs all the beautiful trophies for the event.
	hold
	Still smiling. Canadian Olympic gold medalist and champion wrestler Daniel Igali was the voice behind "Gentleman, start your engines."
	hold
	Indy lights driver David Rutledge needs no introduction to North Shore residents. He was looking at a possible podium finish until a bump from another driver took him back. He later won the protest and will be back with a vengeance.
	They're some of David Rutledge's biggest fans. Serving up smiles at the post-race party in West Van was Jody Rebak (from left), Tory Scholz and Rachel Wardell.
	Don Rutledge played host to hundreds at his palatial West Van home after Sunday's race. He has worked hard to help son David make it big in racing.
	Jack McDonald (from left), Sharon McGavin and Stephanie Borsos joined in the sing-song at the Rutledge party.
	Canadian Indy driver Alex Tagliani was driving around West Vancouver last Wednesday and stopped by my house to show-off his navy blue 550 Maranello Ferrari.

Please visit <a href="http://www.catherinebarr.com">CatherineBarr.com</a> for all stories, news and archives.

Page created by Catherine Barr on 5/09/2001